British businesses are well placed to help drive the post-war reconstruction of Ukraine despite “practical and systematic challenges,” according to a leading lawyer.
Last year the UK signed the 100 Year Partnership Agreement with Ukraine, a long-term, legally binding treaty, designed to bolster Ukraine’s security, economy and resilience following the Russian invasion of 2022.
The agreement covers 11 key areas including infrastructure, energy and renewable energy, agriculture, defence, technology and innovation and healthcare, as well as other sectors where Ukraine requires foreign investment and support.
Ahead of an anticipated ceasefire in Ukraine national law firm Clarke Willmott has launched a dedicated Ukraine Desk to support reconstruction efforts in the war-torn country.
The desk is headed by corporate partner Oksana Howard an English law qualified solicitor who grew up in the Ukrainian city of Zhytomyr. The desk assists UK companies wishing to work on projects in Ukraine – to help to rebuild the country. The Ukraine Desk also advises Ukrainian businesses and individuals looking to operate in the UK, providing comprehensive legal assistance across a broad range of legal matters.
Oksana Howard says key priorities for UK investors and British businesses considering investing their capital or undertaking projects in Ukraine are:
- security and stability – a durable peace framework with reduced geopolitical risk
- legal and regulatory certainty – strong protection for contracts, rights and dispute settlement mechanisms, aligned with EU standards
- risk mitigation tools – insurance, guarantees and blended finance structures
- business environment – transparent, predictable and simplified regulatory processes
- infrastructure and market growth – rebuilt systems that create operational viability and scalable markets
- reliable local partners – strong corporate governance and alignment with international norms
- macroeconomic stability – sound fiscal and monetary policy and financial market confidence
“With foreign investment expected to become a major driver of Ukraine’s economic recovery, UK companies will require sustained legal support if they are to operate there with confidence, and to comply with shifting regulatory conditions,” says Oksana Howard.
“We also anticipate that English law will be preferred by UK companies undertaking projects in Ukraine due to its predictability and contractual flexibility and its robust, impartial system for dispute resolution.
“All of this provides a higher degree of legal certainty and protection for UK companies compared to the Ukrainian legal system, despite some current practical and systematic challenges.”
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